Tweet

 

 

Prime Minister of St.Kitts-Nevis the Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris has come in for high praise and has been lauded for his leadership in the vast improvements and the revamping of the now Platinum Standard Citizenship by Investment Programme in St.Kitts-Nevis as well as the programmes throughout the  Caribbean.

In a release issued following the recent CBS 60 Minutes report regarding Citizenship By Investment Programmes in the Caribbean, CS Global Partners blasted the programme for it’s clearly one-sided , unfair, inadequate and negative portrayal of the Caribbean Citizenship programmes. According to CS Global the episode failed to draw adequate attention to the unparalleled emphasis placed on due diligence by Caribbean countries. The longevity of the programs, and the value of the citizenship offered by these Caribbean nations, rests entirely on the programs adhering to strict governance mechanisms and international best practice. CS Global stated that In their role as consultants to many of these nations, they have witnessed first-hand the commitment that each of them makes every day in making certain that their processes are adequate every step of the way. To name but a few of the systems put in place, these countries do not only perform their own due diligence on applicants, but they also outsource due diligence to international, world-esteemed risk management firms that independently assess applicant backgrounds, the source of their funds, and their family ties over an extended period of the applicant’s lifetime. There is very little that can escape these due diligence checks, and the Caribbean programs should serve as models to follow for other, even much larger and wealthier, jurisdictions, rather than be characterized as a “security threat.”

CS Global stated that much of the integrity with which the Caribbean runs its programs today can be attributed to the steadfast dedication of its leaders to improving their nations and their international rapports. Shortly after coming into office, Prime Minister Dr. the Honorable Timothy Harris redefined the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program, introducing strict checks and balances that resulted in a methodical and systematic evaluation of applicants. This was a departure from the St. Kitts and Nevis that, badly advised by a consultant that has since been dismissed, received criticism for removing ‘place of birth’ from its passports. Upon CS Global Partners’ recommendation, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis once again issues passports containing the traveler’s place of birth.

The improvements in the St.Kitts-Nevis programme has led to a number of International awards. One of the recognition awards was by the Migrant World for the Most Improved program in the region. Migrant World is a marketing agent of the St. Kitts and Nevis program. Its representative Moe Elhaj in presenting the award said, ‘On behalf of our team and clientele, we want to thank you for making this process a secured and pleasant experience.

“Migrant World gives its utmost appreciation to the Citizenship by Investment Unit on its outstanding innovations, professionalism and processing in the year 2016.”

A second award was presented by Mohammed Asaria, co-founder of Range Development which developed the Park Hyatt in St. Kitts. In making his presentation, he said, “We are delighted to present this token of our appreciation.  Led by Prime Minister Dr. Harris St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Porgramme has taken great strides to ensure governance and efficiency is installed in the Citizenship by Investment program.

St.Kitts-Nevis’  recognitions support the innovations the new Citizenship by Investment Unit led by Les Khan have worked into the revamped platinum program. They include establishing a technical committee to strengthen the due diligence framework as well as the advent of an accelerated application process for applicants wanting to be fast-tracked at a premium.